“The Metamorphosis”

WEST PALM BEACH, FLA (March 10, 2022)— With today’s installation of “The Metamorphosis,” local artist Michelle Drummond has become the first Black, female artist to install a solo, permanent artwork commissioned by the City of West Palm Beach through its public art program ArtLife. The public is invited to view the installation in the Urban Living Room outside the Mandel Public Library, which is located at 411 Clematis Street. 

The public artwork was formally presented during a ceremony attended by Mayor Keith A. James, city commissioners, Ms. Drummond, ArtLife committee members, and Mandel Public Library board members.

Measuring 3’ x 5‘x 7’ in size, “The Metamorphosis” is a site-specific, hand-layered fiber sculpture with acrylic on wood panel. The artwork honors the Mandel Public Library as a resource for everyone and a civic space that aims to advance society.

Symbolizing life, knowledge and organic growth, “The Metamorphosis” is a fitting metaphor for the library. It is inspired by the philosophy that knowledge and transformation align and empower change and rebirth. The tree of life symbolizes growth, strength and beauty. The butterflies represent optimism and the limitless possibilities that emerge through an organic transformation. The artwork reflects the city’s aesthetics, cultural traditions and diversity.   

 Since its inception, ArtLife WPB has awarded numerous art commissions to local artists, including Black female artists, for temporary installations throughout the city, such as its recent COVID-19 artist relief initiative, The Commons: 15 Artists, 15 Spaces. “The Metamorphosis,” however, is the first piece by a Black female artist to be permanently on exhibit. To learn more about Michelle Drummond, visit click here.

The city formally commissioned the artwork at the June 14, 2021 meeting of the City Commission.

“The continued integration of public art into the city’s infrastructure through a diversity of artists from all backgrounds speaks volumes about the city’s commitment to civic pride through the continued cultivation of arts and culture,” said Mayor James. “Congratulations to Ms. Drummond on being a trailblazer and on this beautiful sculpture rich with meaning.”

A contemporary, mixed-media fiber artist, Ms. Drummond was born in Jamaica and resides in Palm Beach County. She realized early on in her art career that manipulating multicolored fiber and incorporating acrylic paint on canvas was an avenue to help her navigate and cope in unfamiliar environments. Her artwork exudes the true expression of her quest for life and the undeniable influence of her rich Jamaican culture, her experiences living here in the United States and exploration of other cultures through her travels.

ArtLife WPB is the city’s premier art program that commissions and presents a variety of projects created by artists at all career levels. The ArtLife WPB program grew out of the Art in Public Places (AiPP) program established in 1985 and the AiPP amended ordinance of 2014. The program’s mission is to shape the character of West Palm Beach through the power of public art.

For more information about ArtLife WPB, visit https://www.wpb.org/artlife or contact Sybille Welter, Administrator of Public Art and Culture, by email at scwelter@wpb.org.

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